Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ11) voted today to establish a Select Committee to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The vote to approve the committee, which will operate only within the House of Representatives, was 220 to 190, almost entirely along party lines. Only Republican Reps. Adam Kinsinger (R-IL16) and Liz Cheney (R-WY at large) voted with the Democratic majority. Sherrill has served as the representative for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, which includes Verona, since 2019.
In a statement released after the vote, Rep. Sherrill said, “Getting a full public accounting of the events that occurred on January 6th is crucial to understanding what happened that day and what led up to it, and to heal as a nation so that we can move forward together. This Select Committee will be instrumental in helping us do that. It will do critical work that will shape our understanding of the insurrection by digging into the facts of that day and provide a roadmap for the path ahead. Although Congressional Republicans voted down the opportunity to have an independent, bipartisan commission, we must continue working to hold those responsible accountable and build a more resilient democracy.”
In May, Sherrill voted for a bipartisan independent commission to investigate the attack, but Senate Republicans blocked the measure.
The Select Committee approved today will examine both the causes of the attack and the facts of the day itself, and evaluate law enforcement and intelligence responses. The Committee will have the authority to issue subpoenas and study classified material. It is expected to also be bipartisan, with eight members appointed by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA12) and five members appointed in consultation with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA23).
